Letter: Vote for Mike Schilling - he's concerned about abatements

I agree with Mike Schilling's concern about our City Council's current tax abatement policies. Selling our city as one with cheap labor, few regulations and free-flowing tax credits isn't working. We are in a downward slide, recently named as the number one poverty city in the state, largely because our wages are so low, even when adjusted for cost of living. What business bringing new kinds of skilled jobs, livable wage jobs that will lift our citizens out of poverty, wants to locate in a town where people can't afford to purchase their products? What high-level tech company wants to come to a town whose schools are struggling for funding, losing over a million dollars a year in tax abatements that often land in the hands of the richest corporations who pay lower wages than our local businesses and hire fewer people? These companies want dependable public services, good schools, a clean environment, safe neighborhoods for all income levels and a welcoming atmosphere.

Mike Schilling will be on our side. He will study the issues with a critical eye and help spur some needed discussion about abatements while building communications with our school board and libraries. He will be researched and prepared for council meetings so he can ask the tough questions, fact-based questions. He will hold regular town hall meetings, welcoming and listening to all, even those who may not agree with him, treating everyone with dignity and respect. He was known for that when he was a four-time elected representative. Tax abatements should be for businesses creating a net gain of new kinds of jobs that pay a livable wage. Jobs that lift people out of poverty. We like Mike because he will help us truly make Springfield a better city.